Photos from our Cycle tour in Brittany and our stay in Pornichet

From Jean-Louis Roulin: https://tinyurl.com/ly5yphu

From Gill: https://tinyurl.com/kokts4r

From Françoise and Frank: https://tinyurl.com/kha9xdv

From Tim: http://tinyurl.com/q8cxhj6

Ghislaine and Jean-Louis who personified the hospitality we received in France

The Merry Leaders on the last day!

(Patrice, Guy, Gérard, Yolande, Claud)

~ photo by Gill ~

Pam's photos from the Tour de Sarthe

Pam's photos from the Humphrey Tours expedition to France, including many cheeky portraits.

Sicily Part 2

The two weeks following Bernard's report were as interesting as the first week, the long hills continued. The highest town we stayed at was Troina 1121m. The lowest being Catania at 7m! Our journey continued North and East stopping at Hotel Mariano in Castellana Sicula, where we had a memorable six course Sicilian meal! 

The chef had asked his daughter, who spoke English, to come to the hotel to ask us what we would like to eat! We visited Mount Etna from Nicolosi, putting our bikes on the bus to the foot of the cable car station, (apart from Mike who cycled). After the cable car a jeep took us to approx 3000m where we walked around the crater with steam emerging! It was great riding down the mountain, especially as we had not ridden up!! Yes, we did have mixed weather but no problem if one had water proofs to wear! Who didn't take waterproofs? 

Ian and I were delighted to find that our efforts to book accommodation on the web were successful. There were no organisers on the trip, every body was free to do as they wished. Another pleasing fact was that the CTC Poly bags we put the bikes in, were accepted by Easyjet and B.A. - and to my knowledge, none of the bikes were damaged!
 
Pam

Report on Sicily Part 1

This is Part One because Luisa and I couldn't make the full three weeks that Ian planned, so we were together for the first week and then Luisa and I went on a shorter route the second week. Pam's going to do Part Two.The group was: Bob, Ian, Lesley, Luisa, Mike, Pam, Robin and me.

Mon 12: We were able to check in for an early-the-next-day Easyjet flight after 8:00pm so we did so and stayed at the nearby Travel Lodge. Minimal hassle about checking our bikes in. Mike arrived looked as if he'd been in world war three - look for the scars in the photos.

Tues 13: Early start. Flight routine but with lovely views of the snow-capped Pyrenees in the early morning light. Arrived at Palermo on time and all the bikes were OK. We then pottered down the coast in sunshine at a pleasant temperature. Sea views to the right limestone cliffs on the left. In the towns the roads were pretty grotty, similar to London roads, but elsewhere the surfaces were generally good.Stayed two nights at Balestrate in a nice B & B run by a charming man who couldn't do enough for us, even buying our rail tickets for us. 22 miles.

Wed 14: Sight-seeing day in Palermo, where we went by train. Separate ways - six of them went on a hop-on hop-off bus, Luisa and I walked around. We saw some of the principal sights, including the fabulous silver and gold mosaic Cappella Palatina, Mary Magdalena's withered left foot (indubitably), the area round Fontana Pretoria with it's naked statues. back for dinner at the B & B which was good fun. Lots of nice vino and the brandy delivered by the waiter from the bar down the road. 0 miles.

Thurs 15: Off we went on a slightly damp morning. I persuaded the group to go via a large reservoir. This diversion from the CTC route meant going up a hill which was as steep as the dam ie. very steep! But all was well in the end. It had rained hard the previous night and there was sand washed on to the road in quite a few places, deep enough to stop a road bike. One downhill section was a stream and several of us got a good soaking from passing cars. Stayed in Corleone in a wonderfully-located hotel with a super view. Bit of a performance storing the bikes, especially when bikes locked together. 42 miles.

Fri 16: Nearly 10.00 by the time we left. We separated but met up in Bisacquino. Mainly sunny but with a few mini-showers. Lovely scenery, vineyards and olives. Quite a bit of climbing. After Bisacquino - which was about 750m - we went down one of the longest hills ever. Lunch in Burgio where Pam arrived spitting blood because no-one answered their phone! We had a bit of trouble finding the B & B but Luisa's invaluable Italian saved the day. The B& B was super, the nicest, a fairly large modern private house in the middle of a large olive orchard; beautifully furnished and appointed with a family who looked after us very hospitably, they provided a typical Sicilian meal which was delicious and plenty of wine. 34 miles.

Sat 17: It was quite cold but sunny, we stopped for a coffee at Montallegro and then on to Siciliana for lunch. After some difficulty we found a hotel where we had rather a nice meal, quite reasonably priced, and served by an amusing waiter who reminded several of us of Manuel in Fawlty Towers. Just as we were getting on our bikes it started to rain, hard, really hard. Luisa and I stayed on the main road to Agrigento, the others thought it safer to take a small road. Luisa and I found the B & B without too much trouble - other than having to carry our bikes up a lot of steps. The others had a more adventurous time which involved a police escort and a rescue by the B & B owner who led them up a long hill in his car. We were all cold and wet by the time we got there but by dint of hot showers and heaters we were soon OK again. One problem, someone had hidden Robin's passport in a secret compartment in his pannier. So there ensued 27 phone calls to all the places we'd stayed and eaten, his insurance company, the British Embassy and MI6. 37 miles.

Sun 18: Relief - Robin's passport was discovered. Sightseeing day, Agrigento is rightly famous for its Valley of Temples one of which is the finest Doric temple anywhere. After dinner a new record time was set - only 27 minutes to decide the division of the bill. 0 miles.

Mon 19: Luisa and I left the others and set out on a shorter route towards Catania. Quite a lot of climbing. Sunny morning but quite cold again, 14 degrees at lunchtime. Our route was Favara, Canicatti, Caltanissetta. It took us a few minutes to find the right road to start with, this was caused by us not realising that the main road was closed and there were yellow signs directing us towards Palermo which was not the way we wanted to go. Afterwards I realised the yellow ones were temporary. Nice little hotel in town centre, dinner in a pizzeria where the chap had been making pizzas for 30 years and could do all the tricks like throwing them behind himself. 40 miles.

Tues 20: Another sunny cold morning, 11 degrees at 10.00. More hills to Barrafranca and Piazza Armaria. We managed to lose each other which took a few minutes to sort out. We were there by lunchtime, found a hotel close to the Casa Romana and had the afternoon to see the Roman mosaics, the best-known one is the bikini girls. 30 miles.

Wed 21: It took a long time to get out of town and quite a big hill, caused by a combination of a closed road and an out-of-date map albeit recently purchased. We got to Caltagirone which has a thriving ceramics industry which are liberally scattered round the town. We caught the train at Caltagirone all the way to Catania and found a nice hotel with a wonderful view from our bedroom window of the west front of the duomo, extravagantly baroque. We stayed five nights at this hotel. 25 miles.

Thurs 22: Etna - in a jeep not our bikes! All very interesting, we only went to the limit of the road, about 2,000m out of the 3,323m height of Etna. we saw the place where the 2001 eruption came from and its end point. We also were taken along a tunnel in the lava from the 1792 eruption.

Fri 23: Off to Syracuse, confused by road signs (again), this time caused by a bridge which had collapsed. I had a bit of tummy trouble! Some nice bits of road but too many unavoidable main roads. Had a look round the Archaeological Park. Back by train.50 miles.

Sat 24: North from Catania, first to a pretty town of Acireale and then down to the sea sticking as close to the coast as possible, a lovely lunch in a tiny harbour called Stazzo. We got as far as Riposto, it started to rain so we trained back. 30 miles.

Sun 25: Again north from Catania but sticking to the main road which wasn't busy being Sunday and virtually no lorries. For the first time there were lots of cyclists, many of them fit-looking young men whizzing along on smart bikes with all the gear. So got to Taomina by 12.30 and had a look round. It's reputed to be the most popular resort in Sicily and is a very attractive town perched on a steep hill. Trained back. 50 miles.

Mon 26: Early flight home - BMI/Air Malta. There was a sign telling us to remove our front wheels which we decided to ignore. But when we tried to check in they were adamant, their machine "wasn't big enough to scan the bikes unless the wheel was removed". So unpack and repack our bikes. Otherwise flight routine.

Bernard

Croatia report

Pretty harbour towns

Grappa for breakfast

Island scenery

Bikes on train

Six of us have just returned from a week’s cycling in the north of Croatia . We had looked at the south starting from Dubrovnik but it’s hard to find a route there without using the nasty busy coast road. The best way to get to the north is Easyjet to Ljubjana in Slovenia and then train to Rijeka , only €120 for six of us. That’s what we did. We all used the CTC plastic bags and there was no damage to any of the bikes – although we all got fed up with the check-in process at Stansted which took ages, we needed most of the two hours we allowed. By contrast, on the way back the process at Ljubjana was painless. The weather was great, almost unbroken sunshine and not too hot.

Our route was:

Day 1: About 18 miles from Ljubjana airport to the railway station on a rather busy road. We found a better way on the way back, a road that more-or-less follows the route of the motorway. We were able to leave our plastic bags at the Celica Hostel where we stayed the last night. It’s a converted prison complete with barred doors on the cells! Not the sort of place one would want to stay for long but amusing for one night. We paid €115 for five of us for B & B. The train was equipped to take up to 12 bikes with no hassle. Then just 10 miles from Rijeka to Opatija, an attractive sea-side town. We stayed in a hotel, other than the prison we booked nothing in advance. 25 miles.

Day 2: Our first exposure to the hills. Down the coast to Brestova, ferry to Porozina, then down the island of Cres to the town of Cres , where we stayed. Cres is a pretty place, pastel coloured buildings round a small harbour. We found accommodation by the expedient of having a beer when we first arrived and asking the waiter. No problem, we were soon established in an apartment. It’s a common arrangement there for a family to occupy the top part of a small block and rent out the lower part. Very cheap, and when we left the owner plied us with grappa-like booze! Only 34 miles but plenty of hills.

Day 3: Down the length of Cres, across a bridge to the island of Losinj and then down to the southern end to the town of Veil Losinj , where we stayed. There’s also a town Mali Losinj, both are pretty harbours but Veli is smaller and more charming. One of the things I did not expect was the quality of the roads; I should think three quarters of them were wonderful. Often it felt like velvet. The combination of the hills and the road surfaces enabled me to set a new record for myself – 41 mph. We found an apartment without difficulty. Again only 38 miles but more hills.

Day 4: We retraced our steps up Losinj and Cres to the town of Cres. We had originally planned to catch the ferry that evening but by Cres we were tired and there was another 350m climb between Cres and the ferry so we stayed again in Cres, at the same apartment. All the islands are pleasant, nice scenery and not very developed so few places to get a drink between the towns. 38 miles.

Day 5: Up the 350m and to the ferry at Merag to Valbiska on the island of Krk. Lunch in the town of Krk and we stayed at the SE end of the island at Baska which is a sea-side town with a good beach. Another apartment block with three apartments between us for €120 only. I had my altimeter with me and I generally tried to remember the heights of the summits. This day was 350m, 200m, 320m with sea level in between. So 870m and with a few more undulations I reckon it was at least 1,000m. Other days were similar. 32 miles.

Day 6: Up to the bridge that connects Krk to the mainland via a pretty sea side village of Silo where we had lunch. We stayed at Kraljeveka which is not a tourist town. The only hotel in town was a workers place where we had the last two rooms three-bedded rooms only €60 together including ham and eggs for breakfast! There was only one place to eat, a pizzeria where I had the best pizza I’ve had for many years. 40 miles.

Day 7: One of the party had to go home a day early so we cycled along the main coast road to Rijeka . A busy and not very pleasant 13 miles despite there being a motorway alternative. God knows what it was like before the motorway! We put the early returner on the train back to Ljubjana and the five of us caught another train up to Lokve – we didn’t fancy the 1,000m climb. There were a few minutes of anxiety when the train conductor said “only two bikes” but eventually the station-master over-ruled him. We then cycled to Fuzine through pine forests and European bears (not that we saw any) via two lakes. Apparently one can hunt the bears, it costs €20-40,000 depending on the size of the bear. More hills! Very nice hotel in Fuzine, where bear was off the menu because they relied on road kills and there hadn’t been any. 31 miles.

Day 8: After yet another climb we enjoyed the 1,000m whiz to Rijeka . Train back to Ljubjana, quick look round town and then our night in prison.

Day 9: We visited the castle in the rain in the morning, Ljubjana is quite a small city but nice for a day or maybe two. Then back to the airport and a punctual and uneventful trip home.

Bernard

Chris Hoy

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sports_personality_of_the_year/7782818.stm

Vote result:

Chris Hoy 283,630 votes
Lewis Hamilton 163,864
Rebecca Adlington 145,924
Ben Ainslie 35,472
Joe Calzaghe 34,077
Andy Murray 19,415
Nicole Cooke 18,256
Christine Ohuruogu 7,677
Bradley Wiggins 5,633
Rebecca Romero 4,526

Memory of Jura 2008

To John Scott. Thanks for the memory. Just to let you know after our chat on Wednesday at Edenbridge, I had not realised that after all my efforts to write your R-RW CD, that it did not work. I have now written a new non rewritable CD which I will get to you somehow before going to OZ. Its a compilation of Pam/Ian/MJM photo's. Will try and get Frank and Francois 2u later. Meanwhile a collage 4u. Best wishes for happy cycling in 2009.

Jura 6 to 14 May org by John Scott

One of many cascades during the enduring 3hr mountain goat trech with loaded bikes before reaching the summit. (there was supposed to be a road?)

Snow remaining from heavy falls at Easter. You can see from Ian's eyes what a fantastic map reader he is. (as I said at the time I'm with the Woolwich!)

CH Border (the French one was manned but we were waved through)

Jurasic Delights. Fantastic village with famous Abbey and surrounding cliffs the ascent from which was quite challenging. Look for the clue in the pic as to where we were!

4 more pictures for now more to come later.

---

Trial by Jura

First day, great climb

Breather stop

Amazing roads

Downloaded about 200 pictures, as I gather others have. Francois has suggested an autumn/winter reuinion and I think that would be great. I hope that by now Christine has got the flowers we sent, she provide a lovely tipical local Lunch and it was fantastic to see her apartment in the village she grew up in. Thanks to John S for all the organisation, if it were not for him non of us would have been there to participate in this memorable experience. Some photo's above for now and more to come, 3 to 4 at a time or my PC crashes.

---

The Jura 2008

Tuesday 6 May was arrival day. Various ways of doing the journey. John Scott pottered the 10 km from his house. Ian brought his bike in a bag on the train - 12 hours door-to-door wasn't bad. Frank and Francoise, John Gould, Rob, Mike, Toni were all there by car in time for dinner. Robin and Pam arrived somewhat later - after my bed-time. Luisa and I had had a leisurely journey starting on Saturday with a bit of sight-seeing and cycling on the way. The distance was a bit under 500 miles. The French motorways are so quiet and road-works free that they are a pleasure to drive on. One simply sets the cruise control and relaxes.

The Auberge at Longcochon, which is a hamlet 65 miles north of Geneva, was a bit basic but clean and the woman who ran it and her daughter were charming and helpful. Mike had a problem with the towels - he said they were so enormous and fluffy that they were difficult to manage especially round his private parts.

Wednesday was a lovely day, perfect cycling weather, cool air and warm sunshine. John S's aspiration to a 9.00 start was somewhat frustrated by various people taking a while to get organised. We did start eventually and John S immediately demonstrated his intimate knowledge of the local geography by setting off in the wrong direction! No harm done, and we were soon en route for Metabief for lunch. The first-choice auberge was visited on the way and was judged better than where we were staying, cheaper too. After lunch our departure was delayed by John G locking his bike without the key! Ian's mobile workshop was invaluable to enable the mudguard and 4 spokes to be removed, one after-effect only - the wheel was slightly egg-shaped. As many will know cycling in rural France is such a pleasure: good road surfaces, little traffic, considerate drivers. The countryside in the Jura is lovely, a mixture of alpine meadows, forests and lakes. One section of the ride was by Lac de Saint Point which was picture-postcard pretty. Stats for the day: 51.26 miles, 11.30 mph average speed, 35.39 mph max speed.

Thursday another perfect day. We set off more punctually to Arbois and Pupillin where we had lunch. Our auberge was at 850 metres and Arbois at 300 metres so there was a good deal of easy downhill. One particular quite long section was through a forest where we met not a single car. Arbois is where Louis Pasteur lived for most of his life and his house can be visited. Wine tasting after lunch preceded by a conducted tour of the "factory". Apparently wine from the Jura rarely gets to the UK because there's no UK agent. one of the several hills on the way home took us up to the impressive limestone Cirque du Fer a Cheval, a bowl-shaped dead-end valley with very steep sides that I think are formed at the head of a mountain glacier from cold-climate weathering processes. Dinner a bit indifferent. There was a French walking group who went in for raucous singing, one of the songs involved a rather attractive young woman standing on her chair pulling a scarf backwards and forwards between her legs. The words of the song were an enigma, even to Francoise (or maybe she was too shy to explain!) We tried to compete but our volume was a poor second. Stats for the day: 56.58 miles, 9.35 mph average speed, 34.82 mph max speed.

Friday yet another perfect day. Much discussion at breakfast about the plan for the day ending with a three-way split. The hard men (John S, John G, Mike, Rob, Toni and Ian) went off to some waterfalls. They came back with what sounded like a horror story. Only 55 miles but 500 metres of vertical ascent carrying their bikes and a lot of off-road (one reporter said 5 hours, another two and a half, but I don't necessarily believe either of them!). Frank and Francoise, Pam, Robin walked into the nearby village, had lunch and "chilled out". Luisa and I went back to Arbois by car, treated ourselves to a grande bouffe, had a conducted tour of Louis Pasteur's house and came back via another even bigger cirque - Cirque de Baume. Much discussion over dinner (which was nice, chicken in cheese sauce, pears and choc sauce) about the next day's ride.

Saturday perfect day number four. We all set off to Switzerland. John S, Mike, Rob, Toni and Ian were more ambitious and went to les Rousses for lunch. They reported 77 miles when they got back. Listening to them over dinner one got the impression they hadn't enjoyed it (some problem about Ian and the others doing UDI regarding the route and losing John temporarily) but I suppose they must like it or they wouldn't do it. Perhaps it's the way they tell it! [Maybe they would like to add some explanation to this blog]. The rest of us had a rancour-free day. We cycled round Lac de Joux which was lovely. there was a spectacular view across to the higher mountains with streaks of snow between grey spruce and bright green deciduous trees. Quite a lot of hills. On this occasion it was the other way round, start at 850 metres, up to 1125 metres having been down to 790 metres with hills in between. The hills weren't too bad, for example there was a hill that was 5 miles up and 5 miles down but the gradients were such that you could go at 5 mph without great effort on the way up and whiz down without braking on the way down. There were a lot of raptors on the holiday, today especially. I wished I'd had my bird-book and my binoculars. One of the few drawbacks with the Jura is that there aren't many cafes. It was OK in Switzerland, we had two nice sojourns in an Irish pub and another in a cafe that served us delicious cake. Dinner was OK-ish. Best thing about it was Mike's joke about three simultaneous deaths - too long for my fingers, you'll have to ask him. Stats for the day: 64.08 miles, 10.03 mph average speed, 37.08 mph max speed.

Sunday, our last day although some stayed on, weather started perfectly as usual, but see later. We all set off together (bar Robin whose hip was troubling him so he took himself off to hospital). I went a bit ahead and after waiting for what seemed ages decided they must have gone another way and so carried on. In Champagnole, the nearest small town, the other 10 split. Frank and Francoise, John G, Luisa, looked round the town and had a leisurely and nice lunch. They then cycled back to the auberge. On the way the weather disgraced itself in the form of a thunderstorm. Hailstones as big as cricket balls they said! 25 miles for the day. The others (John S, Ian, Rob and Toni) caught me up on the way. I was surprised by the cycling style of the group. After 25 miles in this desert of cafes we came to a wonderful-looking auberge, I assumed we'd stop and have a drink, but, no, we had "to crack on". We went up to the Cirque de Baume, found the restaurant full, being Sunday, then back to the village Baume-les-Messieurs where we met Mike. He had been delayed because he was praying for us. The restaurants were full here also but there was a stall selling sandwiches and beer so we didn't starve. We looked round the Abbey and set off home. The only hill I had to walk up then followed. At the top was feeling tired so I left the others and went the shortest way home. They went via John's house for tea. As we went along we saw a thunderstorm in the distance (the one that soaked the first lot) with plenty of thunder and lightning but it missed us and we stayed dry. Dinner was good, roesti with ham. By now Ian had fallen in love with Honorina, the manager's daughter, but failed to persuade her to marry him. Stats for the day: 68.15 miles, 10.03 mph average speed, 38.09 mph max speed.The others did 70 miles.

On Monday our journey back was really easy, six and a half hours driving in France on those empty motorways; one snag in England though, the A20 was closed completely.

I think everyone enjoyed it, Luisa and I certainly did.
Regards Bernard

From the Jura

Nozeroy

Hello Peter and All,

Here we are amongst the hills - so far sun every day. Some having a
rest and touristy day. Lovely cycling roads in this part of the world.

Best regards
Robin & Co in the Jura

Jura News

Accommodation for 2008 French Cycling Trip

Dates : 6th May 2008 to 12th May 2008 (14th may 2008)

Due to the high demand on the Le Chalet de la Haute-Joux no rooms were available for the duration of our trip. However at their suggestion I had a meeting with Honorine Henriet at the Auberge Loisirs Le Sillet at Longcochon and I found it to be ideal for what we were looking for. They charge Euro 32.50 per person for demi pension (bed, breakfast and a traditional Jurasienne evening meal including bed-linen and towels.) All rooms have a shower, basin and toilet en-suite. The rooms I saw were double with twin beds which could either be placed side by side for couples or apart for others.
The Auberge is an ancient, traditional Jurasienne farmhouse which has been completely refurbished to modern standards. The view from the rooms I visited was stunning and, in the distance, overlooked the ancient walled city of Nozeroy which incidentally is the smallest walled city in France . Nozeroy makes an ideal destination for anyone requiring a restaurant or bar in the evening and is less than 10 minutes by bike or even less by car.
Anyone travelling by EuroStar and changing on to the TGV should alight at Frasne (pronounced Fran) which is 15Km from the Auberge (an easy cycle ride).
There is ample parking for cars and covered secure storage for bicycles.

Jura Form

Jura update

I have had several requests to adjust the dates of the proposed Jura trip next year. The only period that suits my plans for the year are Tuesday 6th May to Sunday 11th May (travelling back to the UK on Monday the 12th May 2008). Even if it was possible to slip the event into late June the weather would be too uncomfortably hot to cycle all day.

Please let me know before my next visit to France on the 15th November 2007 (vis that is by the 14th November 2007) if you can make these dates and additionally I would appreciate you returning my form given out on the 31st November 2007 at Shepperton together with your deposits of £30 so that I can reserve the accommodation.
AspinScott@aol.com

Golden Beeches

Terry and I, amazed ourselves by winning the quiz at the South Bucks DA Golden Beeches weekend. The photo shows Terry and I being presented with our fantastic prizes, ever to be treasured, by the incomparable and very lovable (if Roger will forgive me) Chair of Council, Jill Kieran. See also Pete's article on the SWLDA Blog along with more pictures from me.

From John Scott

I will be going out to France on the 15th November 2007 and will be meeting with the staff of the Chalet de Haute Joux at Cerniebaud during the weekend to make room reservations for our trip. It is imperative that I know who would like to attend no later than Wednesday 14th November 2007 as the Chalet is a very popular destination in this beautiful region of France .
Thank you. John Scott

Draft of Jura Tour

DRAFT PROGRAMME (subject to change and detailed study of maps)

THE ULTIMATE CYCLIST TOUR OF THE JURA 2008

Tuesday, 27th May
Arrive at Cerniebaud during day.

Wednesday, 28th May
Short ride to Labargement St. Marie (visit to Bell Fonderie). Lunch at Auberge de Coude. Continue into Pontarlier for tea and return to Cerniebaud for dinner.

Thursday, 29th May
Ride to St. Germain en Montage for morning coffee, continue to Chateau Chalon for lunch and then on to Voiteur for wine tasting and return to Cerniebaud for dinner

Friday, 30th May
Ride to Vesey for coffee and then on to Baume les Messieurs for lunch and return to Cerniebaud for dinner

Saturday, 31st May
Ride to Foret de Fresse to see Le President (tallest tree in the World) stopping at Pont de Navoy for lunch and then onto Cascade de Herisson for tea, returning to Cerniebaud for dinner.

Sunday, 1st June
Ride to Arbois and Wine tasting at Pupillin and return to Cerniebaud for dinner.

Monday, 2nd June
Depart

John Scott's Offer

June 2008 French Cycling Trip

In 2003 a party of Wayfarers “enjoyed” a hard tour in the Jura mountains from the Cerniebaud Sports Centre, Le Chalet de la Haute-Joux (a modern high standard purpose built facility) near John Scott’s holiday home. You are invited to participate in the 2008 event which will run from 27th May until 2nd June. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Jura it is a department of the Franche Comte and lies on the Eastern side of France next to the Swiss border.

We will make daily sorties out from Cerniebaud to locations within the Jura. The terrain is mountainous with many lakes and forests and has little car traffic. Most days we will cover a maximum of 50 miles but due to hills it is likely to be demanding.
Attached is a draft programme for the 2008 event which John is willing to organise if there is sufficient interest. Car-sharing is the preferred means of getting there.

We do not have the 2008 prices but we expect that will be approximately 48 Euros per night depending on whether you take a shared or single room – this includes breakfast and dinner. Each room has a private shower and toilet en suite.

At the Chalet there is a secure storage room for our bikes and also a repair workshop where you can do your own running repairs or have them done for you by a member of the staff.

For those of you who do not want to take your own bike with you it is possible to hire mountain bikes at the Chalet.

There are a limited number of places available on this trip which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Please let John know if you would be interested in participating.

John Scott
Tel. No: 020 7229 7337
Fax. No: 020 7221 1844
e-mail: aspinscott@aol.com

Phil & Friends Challenge Ride. Sunday 12/08/07

It has long been my ambition to ride the above but it is a challenge in itself getting there and back, over 500mls. It was also great to revisit my old stamping grounds from where I did all my early CTC riding in the late 50's & early 60's. I last visited "God's Country" as I call it, to cycle on the Birthday Rides in 2004 and it brought back so many memories to inspire me to come back again soon. I stayed in my Aunty's caravan on Beely Moor both Saturday and Sunday night leaving me about 25mls from the 8am start at Stannington, Sheffield, for the 150km. The 100km started at 8.30am. I had chosen my MTB with off-road slicks and heavy bag, only to be dismayed by all these young riders on top of the range road bikes. Before the start Jill Kearen, Chair of Council, presented Phil with a bound book of his 10yrs as President of CTC a catalogue of all that took place in his time.

We set off with poor weather forecast towards Penistone, over the Moors to Holmfirth. Turning left to climb Holm Moss the first check was at the Victoria Inn, where I stopped and met with Phil Liggett. After a chatt I set off to accend the first big climb. It was raining and very windy and as I strugled to the summit, I stopped and sheltered behing a parked van and soon started to feel cold. However I ate a cheese and date roll, one of my old favourite bonk foods before making a rapid decent down to Woodhead, then across the reservoir dam and climb towards Glossop. At Glossop I made a pit stop (cafe) for more fuel and met lots of riders. Still basically riding on my own I set off for Chapel en le Frith and Edale. As we started to climb over Ruship Edge I was overtaken by Phil & Friends. After a long climb we reached Mam Nick and then decended into Edale for the next control. At this point 80km/50mls time was marching on. I asked Phil was he riding the 100km or the 150km? He said I always start out with the idea of doing the 150km but usualy end up doing the 100km. (See photo's). At Hope village, 55mls you either go right for anothe 4omls and over 1:5 Winnants Pass, Millers Dale Monsal Head etc or you go left back to the start to finish the 100km. It was now 2.30pm, I was shattered, turned left and finished at 3.30pm. One of the toughest rides I have done in my older life. Could I do the 150km next year not sure but not on MTB. I cheated and did remainder of course next day on my own. As for Phil he is a smashing chap and I talked to him on several occassions and he is so Friendly. Now I must send a donation to CTC defence fund. Anyone who fancies subing me is most welcome as its a sponsored event.

1st February 2006

Hello Wayfarers and friends

We had another splendid turnout at Cobham yesterday, Ron Beams and all, despite the bitter weather. I gave a membership list (already needing amendment) to current members and we are delighted to welcome Ian Buxton (amendment 1) to our ranks. Mike and Mary, his close neighbours, introduced Ian, who we hope will continue to enjoy our company and rides. We had the opportunity to indicate which meal we desire at The Foley Arms on 01Mar06 (Beef, Fish Pie or Vegetarian). If you have a ticket but haven't yet indicated your preference, please email me now so that I can firm up numbers.

Albert writes: "Sorry folks; I have to cry off rides for a while as I have been feeling rather grotty and intend to see the quack on Thursday [good luck, Albert}. I am taking part in a documentary on the Dakota aircraft of which I used to be a driver for some yonks and the film crew which is coming from the US of A want to cart me off to Berlin during the weekend of the 11th to the 14th of this month, so I want to be in reasonable shape. If I manage to survive the Berlin winter I will be glad to get the bike out to join some of my best friends. More when I get back. All the best Albert"

Harold reports: "Albert could not make it last week for our "C" group ride but was there in spirit, as, due to a few tumbles of late, a warning to take care down the rough Test Hill path was heard as "don't do an Albert". Can't keep a good man down!"

'A' group, 17 strong with Ed leading, set off for The Jack Phillips pub in Godalming and were last seen by a Flagging Hub haring off down the A246 towards Guildford. Having officially baled out, I made my way to The Olive Tree at Sutton Green where 'B' group, led by Norman with Ian, Mary, Mike, Cliff, Gill, Les, Terry, John G and Ed C were enjoying fine fare. This was Norman's and most others first visit to this venue and I recall Frank C leading us there for its grand re-opening (ex Fox and Hounds) two or three years back, only to find the builders still in occupation. Tea at Cobham found us in the company of 'C' group, leaving few cakes for us.
Graham popped into HQ to see Mark Walters so missed lunch. However he did learn that these hostels might close at the end of 2006 (or later)

Acomb
Bellingham
Greenhead
Wooler
Alston
Kirkby Stephen
Earby
Keld
Stainforth
Langsett
Bakewell**
Matlock**
Meerbrook
Capel-y-Ffin
Dolgoch
Tyncornel
Llangollen
Trefin
Hedingham
Blackboys
Brighton**
Hastings**
Sandown**
Dover**
Ivinghoe
Steps Bridge
Lynton**
Dartington
Elmscott
Quantock Hills
Liverpool*
Rotherhithe*

* = under review
** = alternative site sought [hopefully more comfortable]


SWLDA Barn Dance tickets (£10 includes supper) are now available from Social Secretary Jen, or from Brian.

Olleh Flagging Hub

"Hi Brian I don't know if Harold is going to do the write-up. I did ask him, as I did it last week. But, in case he didn't [thanks again Lynda]: Dave led Beryl, myself, Dennis, Bill, Ron, John C, Roger, Mike W., Alan, Ron W., and Harold out of the British Legion Club, turning a left to Church Road via the Mill. We passed the cemetery over The Mole and took a track between Tilt and Downside. We turned a left into Bookham Rd., then over the Common. Passed through Lower Bookham Rd., and turned off to Chalk Pit Lane. A few moans and groans here, as it was a bit muddy, stony and steep! But we conquered - and came out to Hogden Rd/Dorking Rd and straight to The Anchor pub where lunch sitting by an open-log fire was very satisfying. We returned down Lower Rd., right at Effingham Common Rd., Horsley Rd, Downside to Cobham Day Centre. It was a cold day - Ron made it 5© on his pocket thermometer! But it could be worse - I have just heard the weather forecast for tomorrow - and they say it won't get above freezing!!! PS: I had an email from Albert [didn't we all?] - he's going to be a movie star! Bye for now, Lynda."